The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance novel Chapter 985

Simone let out a sigh. “So this is what it’s like being the city’s top socialite. Endless parties, constant networking… Ugh, I was definitely not born for this kind of life.”

Aurora, who had mingled with half the room that night, looked just as weary.

“Simone, you really do need to get used to it,” she said gently. “All these events—they’re about building connections. The more friends you make, the better it’ll be for you and for Leonard later on.”

Simone groaned. “I know, but honestly, I’m not sure I can keep up.” She glanced around the bustling ballroom and lowered her voice. “Where are Queenie and Lana tonight? I haven’t seen them in ages. What have they been up to?”

Queenie Burton and Lana Chapman were Aurora’s other two closest friends. They were always busy, and the four of them hadn’t managed to get together in months.

Mentioning them brought a faint trace of worry to Aurora’s face. “Queenie told me the Sellers situation is still unresolved. He’s missing—no news at all. The Burtons are pulling every string they have to try and find him. If something really has happened to Sellers, it could shake the entire Burton family. Queenie’s been preparing for the worst, so she won’t be free for a while. As for Lana… her old health issues flared up again. She’s been recovering at home. You know she’s never been particularly strong.”

Simone shot a disdainful glance at Lauretta standing a few feet away and gave a cold laugh. “If Lana weren’t out sick, Lauretta would never have gotten her chance with the Chapmans. She’s in over her head—everyone says she’s your equal, but honestly, she doesn’t even come close. Has the bar for ‘leading lady’ really dropped this low?”

Aurora only nodded. “It’s a shame about Lana’s health, really.”

A thought seemed to strike Simone, and her expression brightened with sly amusement. “Tonight was supposed to be Stella’s big moment, but as soon as you walked in, every single eye followed you instead. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stella blames you for stealing her spotlight.”

A woman descended slowly from the second floor, dressed in a pale blue gown with vintage patterns that hugged her slender figure. The crystal chandeliers bathed her in a soft, glowing light, revealing flawless skin as smooth and fair as porcelain.

Even from a distance, the curves of her body left the crowd momentarily breathless.

But when people’s eyes traveled up to her face, the room seemed to hold its breath. Her features were so harmoniously sculpted they looked carved from the finest marble—arched brows, long lashes, and eyes as clear and deep as mountain lakes. Under the dazzling lights, every angle of her face was exquisite, perfectly defined.

Her dark hair was swept up with an understated, elegant pin, a few loose strands framing the slender curve of her neck—making her look as graceful and untouchable as a swan.